Abhijeet Dipke, convenor of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), launched the “School Thik Karo” campaign on Independence Day from his native village in Hingoli, Maharashtra. The campaign aims to highlight poor infrastructure and accountability issues affecting government schools, particularly in rural areas. Dipke criticised successive governments and political parties for neglecting basic educational facilities. He urged parents to conduct social audits of schools and asked sarpanchs and villagers to take responsibility for improvements. The initiative focuses on ensuring essentials such as drinking water, toilets, benches and proper access to schools, while encouraging communities to demand better public education infrastructure. (PC: Reuters)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation from Delhi’s Red Fort on India’s 80th Independence Day, said armed Naxalism had been significantly curtailed but warned that Maoist ideology continued to exist in parts of the country. He described those promoting such ideology as “dimaagi Naxals” and said they must be identified and isolated. Modi stated that Naxalism was “breathing its last” while stressing that ideological challenges remained. His remarks formed part of a wider Independence Day address focused on national unity, security, development and India’s ambition to become a developed nation by 2047.

For the first time, Vande Mataram was rendered during the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort in New Delhi on August 15, 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the ceremony after arriving at the historic venue, where the national song was performed before the traditional flag-hoisting proceedings. The event also featured the unfurling of the Tricolour, the national anthem and a 21-gun salute. The inclusion of Vande Mataram marked a significant change in the ceremonial programme and highlighted the song’s historical and cultural importance in India’s freedom movement. The development added a notable element to this year’s Independence Day celebrations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address, invoked the idea of ‘Sapta Sindhu’, presenting seven streams as a framework for India’s national strength and development. Drawing on the ancient concept associated with seven rivers, the vision links India’s civilisational heritage with its modern aspirations. Modi’s message emphasised that the country’s progress depends on strengthening multiple areas simultaneously and harnessing their combined potential. The framework reflects his broader call for a developed India by 2047, with emphasis on youth, innovation, economic growth, social development, national security and cultural confidence. The seven pillars are presented as interconnected forces shaping India’s future.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day address from the Red Fort on August 15, 2026, placed Gen Z and Yuva Shakti at the centre of India’s development agenda. Speaking after recent student protests over examination paper leaks, Modi highlighted the aspirations of young Indians and announced measures aimed at expanding opportunities for them. He outlined a seven-point ‘Saptdhara’ reform framework covering key areas of national development. Modi also warned against what he termed “dimaagi Naxal”, urging the country to identify and isolate forces he said influence minds against India’s interests. The speech combined youth outreach, reforms and national security concerns. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led India’s 80th Independence Day celebrations at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi on August 15, 2026. For the first time, the national song Vande Mataram was rendered at the Red Fort before the Prime Minister hoisted the National Flag. The flag ceremony was accompanied by the national anthem, a 21-gun salute and a flower-petal shower by two Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters. Addressing the nation, PM Modi highlighted India’s progress and reaffirmed the goal of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047. This year’s celebrations also focused on the contribution of India’s youth, or Yuva Shakti.

India’s Census 2027 will introduce 11 additional questions, taking the population-enumeration questionnaire to 40, the highest ever. For the first time since Independence, the nationwide Census will record citizens’ caste based on their own declaration, without a pre-set list. New questions will also seek mobile, Aadhaar and Voter ID details, passport and driving-licence status, Covid-19 vaccination information and the number of bank accounts. The exercise will be conducted digitally through a dedicated mobile app, while self-enumeration will be available online. Population enumeration begins early in snowbound regions from September, while the rest of India will be counted in February 2027. The Census, delayed from 2021 due to Covid-19, has a ₹11,718-crore budget. (PC: HT)

India Post on Friday delivered the National Flag by drone from Mandi to Rehardhar in Himachal Pradesh for the first time, on the eve of Independence Day. The initiative, virtually carried out by Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, showcased how drone technology can overcome geographical barriers and strengthen last-mile connectivity. The drone took off from Mandi Head Post Office and landed at Rehardhar Branch Post Office, where postal officials handed the Tiranga to an army veteran. The initiative supports the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign and reflects India Post’s efforts to use emerging technology for public services in remote areas. The Department of Posts plans drone-based mail transmission across 150 identified routes in Himachal Pradesh and Assam. (PC: X)

President Droupadi Murmu, addressing the nation on the eve of India’s 80th Independence Day, called making India Naxal-free a major achievement, saying it has enabled all-inclusive development in affected regions. She said India is progressing towards Viksit Bharat by 2047 and stressed that development benefits must reach everyone. Reflecting on Operation Sindoor, Murmu praised the armed forces’ valour and precision, warning terrorists and their supporters that they would be punished. She also backed suspending the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, calling it a decisive step in national and farmers’ interests. Amid concerns over paper leaks and student suicides, she said comprehensive examination reforms were underway. Separately, she approved 78 gallantry awards, including 13 posthumous honours, for defence and CAPF personnel.

3 workers remain missing inside a tunnel in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, after a sudden rush of water and debris trapped workers on Thursday. Rescue teams are facing difficulties due to continuous rain and rising water levels inside the tunnel. A total of 22 people were working at the site when the incident occurred around 1.8 km inside the tunnel. Rescuers brought out 19 workers, but seven later died in hospital. Twelve others were injured and are receiving treatment. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other agencies are using machines to remove debris and pump out water while searching for the missing workers.